ACS

CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided. At the time of our inspection 66 people were receiving support with personal care.

Safe recruitment practices were followed to ensure staff were suitable for their roles. Staff were usually reliable and arrived at people's homes within a window of time. Staff completed all tasks required to support people as per their agreed care plans, and people were usually supported by regular staff.

People were supported safely with their medicines. Staff used personal protective equipment (PPE) when supporting people with personal care in accordance with good infection prevention and control practices.

Accidents and incidents were recorded and followed up appropriately. Lessons were learned when things went wrong, and measures put in place to reduce the risk of the same thing happening again.

People's capacity to make decisions was assessed under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA). Staff knew how to support people make choices about their daily care. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

An open and positive culture was embedded in the service. People, relatives and staff spoke positively about the approach and availability of the registered manager and the management team.

The registered manager and management team had effective oversight of people's care, facilitated by effective staff handovers and communication. The registered manager had identified some areas where quality assurance processes could be strengthened and had already started to take action to improve these systems.

People and their representatives were involved in people's care and had opportunities to provide feedback. Feedback was acted upon when areas for improvement were identified.

Staff were supported through supervisions including one to ones and practice observations in people's homes. Positive feedback was received about good teamwork amongst staff which benefited everyone using the service.

The staff team worked in partnership with health and social care professionals involved in people's care and treatment, to support people achieve good outcomes. Feedback from healthcare professionals was extremely positive.

The registered manager was aware of their legal responsibilities and worked in an open and transparent way.